Court Says Dallas Isn't Immune From $1B Back Pay Suit

By David McAfee

Law360, Los Angeles (August 14, 2013, 8:16 PM ET) -- A Texas appeals court on Tuesday said a group of breach of contract claims over more than $1 billion in back pay police officers and firefighters say they’re owed under a public safety ordinance passed by Dallas in 1979 can continue, rejecting the city’s immunity plea.

The decision comes two months after Dallas asked the court to throw out the back pay claims, arguing that the city never contracted to give them perpetual pay raises and is immune from the claims. Dallas argued a network of...